Australia government proposes new fund to meet emission reduction targets

CANBERRA, (Reuters) - Australia’s conservative government on Tuesday announced billions of dollars in funding to cut carbon emissions in a pre-election pitch to entice voters increasingly frustrated with climate policy inaction.

In its budget, the government announced a A$3.5 billion ($2.5 billion) ‘Climate Solutions Package’ to help reduce emissions by 2030.

Opinion polls show the ruling Liberal-National coalition led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison is headed for defeat by the centre-left Labor Party in a federal election set to be held next month.

The government’s internal divisions over climate change and energy policy have been a weakness amongst urban voters in particular, who want to see action taken to reduce emissions.